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Recreation

There is not too much to do in Godfrey. There are some bowling alleys and golf courses, and a few restaurants. About 45 minutes away is St. Louis, and a lot more opportunities and things to do. Even Florissant and Alton, a short car ride away, have more plentiful options than Godfrey. If you are planning on attending Lewis & Clark Community College, it’s definitely recommended to get involved in clubs and organizations to find things to do.

Crime & Safety

Godfrey is a very safe town. The crime rate is much lower than average here. The Village Center has a slightly higher probability of crime, but is still not prevalent. In the past few years at Lewis & Clark Community College, only a handful of thefts have occurred, and a couple drug violations, and that’s about it. For having 5,000 students enrolled here, the crime rate is exceptionally low. Students feel very safe on campus here.

Economy and Jobs

In September 2012, the unemployment rate in Joliet was 9.5%, which was higher than most of the surrounding communities, and higher than both the Illinois state and national averages. About a quarter of households in Joliet make less than 35k a year. About 18% of households make more than 100k a year. The local Medical Center and Silver Cross Hospital are two of the biggest employers in town, along with the local casinos. USF has an Career Services office to help students find work, hosting a CareerFest each year, in addition to helping students one-on-one with applications.

Demographics

Around 106,000 people live in Joliet. Joliet is 67.5% White, 16% Black, 2% Asian, and Hispanic or Latino of any race is 27.8%. About 52% of households are made up of married couples. There is a somewhat even number of men and women here. About 11% of the population is below the poverty line. Joliet is one of the fastest-growing Midwest cities in terms of population. At the University of St. Francis, there are around 1,700 undergraduate students. The student body is about 35% male, 65% female. About 75% of students are White, 9% are Hispanic, 6% are Black, and 5% are Asian.

Apartment Costs

Since about 88% of UTSA students live off-campus, it’s important to get your housing situation taken care of early on. Luckily, there are many off-campus options, and San Antonio is a somewhat inexpensive place to rent. Studios go for as little as $480/month, and one-bedroom options are plentiful in the $500-$600/month range. Two-bedrooms are usually around $600-$700/month, and four-bedrooms from $900-$1200. Some close-by places to live include Mira Vista, The San Miguel, Eilan, Vista Ridge, Reserve, Chase Hill, Hill Country Place, and many more. The UTSA Office of Student Life provides resource for those seeking off-campus housing, including a long list of all nearby apartment complexes and places for rent, and the amenities included with each.

Restaurants

UTSA is home to many popular restaurants, like Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s, Taco Cabana, Starbucks, Burger King, Einstein Bros Bagels, and Subway. There is the Roadrunner Cafe, Panda Express, the C-Store, the Food Court where most of the chain restaurants are located, Smoothie King, and a Downtown Food Court. Biker Jim’s food truck varies in location around campus, and has great sausages. Students are really satisfied with the variety of options, but for those who want to venture off-campus, San Antonio has its own variety of great restaurants. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana easily has the best pizza, and for breakfast, check out the Magnolia Pancake Haus. Paloma Blanco and Rosario’s are both famous for delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. For a burger, hit The Cove, and for steak, choose Chauma Gaucha.

Weather

The weather in Syracuse leaves much to be desired. Winters are cold and snowy, and summers get hot and humid, and then cold again overnight. Syracuse is infamous for its quantity of snow each year; it receives more snow annually than any other big US city. In 2004, 78 inches of snow fell in the span of one month. On average, around 30 inches of snow fall each winter month. On the opposite side of the spectrum, in the summer, the humidity can make 80 degree days feel like 95. If you hate snow, you will hate living here, but if you love winter sports and fresh powder, than this is the place for you!

Crime & Safety

Every year at OCC, there are on average 3 or so sex offenses, several burglaries, and an assault or two. For having 12,000 students, these numbers are incredibly low. A handful of liquor- and drug-related arrests take place, as well as a few hundred referrals for the same reason. There are occasionally small cooking fires. Students feel extremely safe on the OCC campus, as it is in a much nicer area than Syracuse University’s campus, for example. In the city of Syracuse, crime rates have been slowly decreasing for the past for years, though the numbers are still high compared to the New York and national averages. The majority of crime in Syracuse takes place northeast of OCC, near Downtown Syracuse, or South Side, though most of these are theft/robbery/burglary cases and not acts of violence. The most dangerous neighborhoods of Syracuse are Skunk City, Elmwood, and Brighton.

Traffic & Commuting

The closer you get to Chicago, especially during Rush Hour, the worse traffic is. The areas immediately off of 355 can get slowed down. Instead of a 40-minute drive, commutes between GH and Chicago may take around an hour. Glendale is about a half hour from the nearest train stations so it would probably be quicker to stick with a car.

Nightlife

Glendale Heights has a few popular bars, notably Shark City and Dino’s. The Sundown Inn, Avalanche Pub, Lounge Aria, and Hookah Lounge are also frequented by some. Slightly outside of GH is Bigby’s in Addison, which is small and relaxing, Anyway’s in Bloomingdale occasionally has a live DJ, and Brauerhouse in Lombard is known for its good food and rock’n’roll atmosphere. Chicago is about a 40-minute drive for those seeking more options for nightlife entertainment.

Local Events

Sacramento hosts several fun events annually. From the Chinese New Year celebration, to the Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show, to the Antique Faire, there are plenty of festivals to attend. This year is the 40th Annual Sacramento Music Festival, with live music of every genre, a big parade, and dancing. Other events include BaconFest, VegFest, The Art of Beer, Carnaval, Fashion Week, the California State Fair and Cal Expo, the California International Marathon, the Sacramento Food Film Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Farm to Fork Festival, Midtown Art Work, and lots more.

Recreation

Sacramento, like the rest of beautiful California, has many fun outdoor activities to choose from, like visiting one of the many parks, hiking or biking the American River Bike Trail, or checking out the Sacramento Zoo. You can also go bowling, go rock climbing at Pipeworks, go kayaking or rafting with Whitewater Adventures or W E T River Trips, mini golf, visit the arcade, ice skate downtown, paintball, visit the aquarium, learn scuba diving or pole dancing, and so much more! The Kings play at the Sleep Train Arena, the River Cats play at Raley Field, and there are numerous movie theaters.

Demographics

About 243,000 people live in Norfolk. Around 44% of them are White, 43% are Black, 6.6% are Hispanic, and 3% are Asian. There are slightly more men than women in Norfolk due to the military personnel at the Naval Station, with 105 men to every 100 women. About 28% of people under the age of 18 are below the poverty line. At NSU, there are about 7,000 students. About 66% of students are female, and 44% are male. Around 85% of NSU students are from Virginia. About 83% of students are Black, 5.5% are White, and 2% are Hispanic.

Public Transportation

Throughout Norfolk and neighboring cities, there is a network of buses run by Hampton Roads. There are various stops around the NSU campus and in Downtown Norfolk. The Tide is a light rail system that stops at NSU and connects it to Fort Norfolk in the West, and Newtown Road in the East, with various in between. NSU also has campus shuttles that run every 15 minutes or so. Norfolk also has many taxis which students utilize when making quicker trips.

Economy and Jobs

In November 2012, Indianapolis’s unemployment rate was 8%. The population here has been growing at a pretty steady rate, and in 2011 was rated the sixth best U.S. city to retire in. In 2010, it rated tenth for most GDP growth, and tenth as the best city to relocate to. The economy is doing pretty well, here. The most popular occupation industry for men in 2009 was Construction, and for women, Health care.

Apartment Costs

For IUPUI students seeking off-campus housing, the Student Advocate Office offers help, and listings for nearby properties for rent. Since over 90% of students live off-campus, this may be a valuable resource. Luckily, the Indianapolis area is not too expensive. The cost of living here is about 10% lower than the national average. There are tons of listings and most students don’t have trouble finding a place to live. The Riley Towers are a popular place for students to live, as are the Canal on the Square and The Block. On average, a one-bedroom in Indianapolis is around $600/month, though they may be as little as $430/month. Some four-bedrooms are as little as $750/month, so having roommates to split the rent is definitely worth looking into.

Nightlife

While Carson City has its share of townie dive bars, there are a few bars that stand out. The High Sierra Brewing Company has delicious pizza and unbeatable happy hour specials, and is open until 2am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Part of the Gold Dust West Casino includes the Ole’ Ole’ Mexican Restaurant, which has a nice ambiance and authentic Mexican cuisine. The Feisty Goat Pub is a classy little bar with a good selection of beers. The Tap Shack is a nice neighborhood bar known for its patio area. The Spoke has great burgers and pool tables. There are several casinos in town, as well as an arcade and some movie theaters.

Traffic & Commuting

Traffic in and around Carson City is not bad at all. Even for commutes into Reno, which take about 40 minutes, it’s rare to be stuck below the speed limit unless there is a bad accident or poor driving conditions due to the weather. Rush hour is just about nonexistent.

Local Events

The Ventura County Greek Festival happens annually in Camarillo, which has delicious food and fun music. The Camarillo Fiesta & Street Fair is a three-day party with a car show, carnival, Texas Hold’Em Tournament, 5k, street performers and food vendors. The Camarillo Art & Jazz Festival, now called Camarillo’s Old Town MusicFest, features art exhibits, wine tastings, live music, gourmet food trucks, and a business expo. Other yearly festivals include the Wine & Food Festival, and Fiddle Festival.

Crime & Safety

Camarillo doesn’t have a high crime rate. Camarillo is considered a safe, family-oriented, quiet city, with friendly locals, and is overall a nice place to raise children. Of all the CSU locations, the Channel Islands campus has the least amount of reported crimes and arrests. In the past three years at CSUCI, there was one sexual battery case, and a handful of small burglaries. Overall, students feel very safe at this university.

Restaurants

Daytona Beach has lots of delicious eateries, from Ronin Sushi and Bar, to Zen Bistro. Ronin Sushi is the best sushi bar by far, and Zen Bistro has interesting Thai cuisine. Chucherias Hondurenas features authentic Latin American food that never disappoints. The Cellar is an Italian restaurant built into the cellar of what was once President Warren G. Harding’s summer home. For delicious seafood in a casual pub environment, check out the Oyster Pub. For those who want to stay close to campus, DSC has a Smart Market, Pizza Hut, 500 Snack Shop, DeLand Falcon Cafe, The Bean, and Cafe 101 which is a restaurant where all the food is made by DSC culinary students.

Weather

The weather in Daytona is beautiful, which is what helps draw the millions of tourists who visit each year. In the winter, average daily highs are in the 60s, and in the summer, temperatures climb toward the 90s each day. Being on the Floridian coast, there is a high probability of a hurricane or tropical storm striking the city, and every ten years or so, there's even a tornado. Sometimes rogue waves, caused by earthquakes, can hit shore.

Demographics

About 9,500 students are enrolled at GWU. Over 70% of them live on campus, and about 25% belong to a sorority or fraternity. About 56% of students are female, and 44% male. Around 60% of students are White, 8% Asian, 8% Hispanic, 7% Black, and 7% International. In Washington, DC, there are over 601,000 residents. A little over 50% are Black, 38.5% are White, 9% are Hispanic, and 3.5% are Asian. There are around 74,000 foreign immigrants living in DC. About 8% of the population identifies as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

Recreation

Washington is full of things to do and see. You can visit the Smithsonian zoo, ZooLights, or the National Aquarium, go bowling or mini golfing, visit one of the numerous parks, rent a bicycle, or go on a Tour. There are a few cool museums in DC, like the Newseum, International Spy Museum, National Air & Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and more. From art galleries to theaters, the Library of Congress to the Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol Steps, from botanical gardens to music venues, you won’t be bored in DC.

Demographics

English and Psychology are popular majors at UNC Asheville. Nearly 30% of students do not use financial aid. Nearly all freshman live on campus. About 85% of students are from in-state, and 62% of all students are women, and 88% are white. The Asheville area is not very diverse either; about 95% of the population is white.

Restaurants

There are so many places to eat in Asheville! The Tupelo Honey Cafe is a very popular southern-style cafe. Definitely make reservations to avoid waiting forever for a table. The Corner Kitchen is another busy, but highly recommended, restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, a bar, and a patio. Curate in Downtown Asheville is known for its tapas and Spanish cuisine, but again, make reservations. For Caribbean dining, check out the Nine Mile. It’s a little lesser known and less touristy. UNC Asheville has plenty of places to eat on campus, too.

Weather

Fredericksburg has your average four seasons. Summers are humid and in the 80s, winters are colder, in the 30s and 40s. There is an average amount of rain in Fredericksburg, with most rain in the springtime. Maybe a foot of snow falls cumulatively each winter. The vast majority of days are either cloudy or partly cloudy. Tornadoes can sometimes occur in the area. A year or so ago, an earthquake damaged a building on campus, but this was a pretty rare event.

Crime & Safety

The central area of Fredericksburg has the highest crime rate in the city. Though this isn’t the most dangerous community out there, there are some not-so-good areas that make the crime rate look high. In some studies, it’s reported that your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime or violent crime is 1 in 21. Overall, the crime rate in Fredericksburg is higher than both the Virginia average and national average. Hate crimes are significantly more frequent in Fredericksburg compared to other cities. The Germanna Community College campus in Fredericksburg is really safe though, and crime is just about nonexistent here.

Economy and Jobs

In October 2012, Chico’s unemployment rate was 12.1%, which is a good 4% higher than the national average. The rate has been dropping very slowly from its peak of 14% two years ago. Employers around town tend to hire the Chico State students to be able to pay them a lower wage than an older individual, so for permanent residents, finding a job can tough. For college students on the other hand, it’s a bit easier. Chico State has a Student Employment Office to help students find jobs, too.

Public Transportation

It’s definitely recommended to own a bike. There are plentiful bike trails, and the Chico State campus is nationally recognized for how “green” it is, so there are many walking and biking enthusiasts. In some areas, you might be stared down if you drive a gas-guzzling SUV around. Chico State students get free bus passes for all city and county buses, and student shuttles, run by the B-Line. The Amtrak train has a stop in Chico, too, so you aren’t limited to Chico if you have no car. Overall, a car isn’t really necessary here. The weather’s beautiful so you’ll enjoy walking and biking!

Apartment Costs

Average rental prices in Richmond are fairly inexpensive, though nearby towns like Ashland and Highland Springs are a little more inexpensive. The average one-bedroom in Richmond is about $815, while the average two-bedroom is $945. The two JSRCC campuses in Richmond are located about 15 minutes apart by car, but regardless of which one you attend classes at, there are closeby apartments, with many options in the $600-$700/month range for one-bedrooms.

Recreation

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia State Capitol Building, the Museum of the Confederacy, and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, are all located in Richmond. The Kings Dominion amusement park is 30 minutes from Richmond, and is comparable to Six Flags. The nine-block area of Richmond known as “Carytown” has numerous boutiques and eateries, but that’s not the only place to shop; the Chesterfield Town Center has 140 stores, and the Regency Square Mall in Henrico has 80. In Richmond, you can rent Segways, kayak on the James River, go to the movies, race go-karts, or head to the Metro Richmond Zoo, about 30 minutes from downtown Richmond.

Public Transportation

At Carson-Newman, you can either drive or walk; most opt for the latter. The campus is small enough to walk or bike around. There are no local buses or shuttles. To go anywhere off-campus, a car is needed.

Crime & Safety

Jefferson City is a small town of about 8,000 people. However, for its smaller size, it has a higher rate of crime than most places in America. The Gravelly Hill area has less crime than the city center and CNC area. A murder occurs every few years or so, as does arson. Sexual assault is a little more frequent, with about 2-3 a year. Violent crimes in Jefferson City are lower than the national average, though property crime is higher than average. CNC offers self-defense courses and officer escorts day or night, and all visitors have to be checked in. Just about all crimes that occur at CNC are small burglaries/larcenies, with the occasional liquor law violation. Overall, CNC is a safe place to attend classes.

Nightlife

There are nearly 30 fraternities and sororities at MSU, and about a fifth of students are in one of them. As you can imagine, there are many house parties, as well as events on campus thrown by the numerous clubs and organizations. Starkville, the town MSU is partly located in, is home to a bowling alley and a pool hall, as well as numerous bars and grills, like Mugshots, Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, Remington’s, Big Daddy’s, and Chili’s. When the MSU football team plays, The Bulldogs, it is a big event in Starkville, where thousands gather.

Weather

From May through October, the daily temperature is in the 80s. January and December are the coolest months, with daily temperatures averaging in the mid-fifties. September is the driest month, and January and February are the wettest, though the difference is only a matter of 2-3 inches of rain. Starkville is a little rainier than your average American town, though it also has around 220 days of sunshine each year, too. Days are often humid. Due to the wet, warm climate, Starkville is a bit buggy.

Economy and Jobs

The unemployment rate in Wellesley is very low, around 5%. It is known for being a very wealthy town, and it would be difficult to move into Wellesley without a good-paying job. Over 47% of the households in Wellesley bring in more than $150,000 a year. Nearly 75% bring in over $75,000 a year. The median male earnings in Wellesley are $103,000 a year, and the median female earnings a year are $22,000, suggesting a high-number of stay-at-home mothers and/or homemakers. About 60% of females living in Wellesley do not work.

Restaurants

For some lovely fine dining in Wellesley, Blue Ginger is an extremely popular restaurant featuring Asian-American cuisine. It is owned by Ming Tsai, who is a celebrity cook known for his TV show “Simply Ming.” Captain Marden’s Seafoods is a well-liked restaurant in the heart of Wellesley known for its fresh seafood. Alta Strada, owned by another celebrity chef, Michael Schlow, and Papa Razzi are popular for Italian food, and Cafe Mangal is known for its interesting Eastern cuisine, although it is a bit pricy and cramped inside. Wellesley has a few Thai and Chinese restaurants, along with the usual big-names: California Pizza Kitchen, Bertucci’s, Qdoba, and of course, Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks.

Demographics

Nearly 100,000 people call Roanoke home. The city is 70% White, and 27% African American. There are slightly more women than men in Roanoke: about 84 men to every 100 women. More women than men attend VWCC, with the 12,000 students made up of 56% women and 44% men. About 82% of the students are White, followed by 13% Black, 3% Asian, and 2% Hispanic. Almost 100% of the student body is from Virginia. About 54% of students are between the ages 18 and 24. The majority of students (around 40%) have not selected a field of study and are under the General or Unclassified field.

Apartment Costs

VWCC does not have on-campus housing. The average rental rates in Roanoke are a little bit higher than some neighboring towns. If you’re looking for the cheapest rates, you might head to Blue Ridge, Good View, or Vinton, but if you’re set on Roanoke, there are some good options there, too. The Cedar Point Apartments are less than a 10 minute drive from the VWCC campus, and cost around $840/month for a 2 bedroom. The Honeywood Apartment Homes are even closer to VWCC, less than a 5 minute drive, and cost around $750 for a 1 bedroom. There are some privately rented studios and floors of townhouses in Roanoke that are as inexpensive as $395/month, too, if you don’t want to live in an apartment complex.

Crime & Safety

West Clearwater has higher rates of crime than the eastern half of Clearwater. Clearwater Beach and the city center are where most crimes occur. Each year, between 3 and 11 murders occur, several hundred assaults as well as numerous sexual assaults, and around 300 cars are stolen. There is a much higher rate of theft in Clearwater than the national average. SPC is located in one of the safer areas of Clearwater, and has an incredibly low crime rate on campus. In fact, only 1 crime was reported in 2009: a vehicle theft.

Local Events

Each week in Clearwater, there is a Farmer’s Market, and once a month, Blast Friday on the last Friday of the month, with themed entertainment. Every night at Pier 60, celebrations happen beginning 2 hours before sunset, with artists, food, and street performers. The Outback Bowl Beach Day happens each year at the Clearwater Beach with music, games, a pep rally, and sand castle sculptures. A New Year’s Eve party, the Sea-Blues Festival, the Spring Invitationals for Division I softball, the Fun ‘n Sun Festival, Restaurant Week, and the BIG EAST Baseball Championship are just a few of the events that happen in Clearwater each year.

Apartment Costs

At UNF, freshmen are required to live on campus, but overall, 82% of students live off-campus. The average price for a one-bedroom in Jacksonville is fairly inexpensive, at around $680/month. The Country Club Lakes apartments are close to UNF and about $750/month for a one-bedroom. The Cape House apartments are close as well, and similarly priced. The Chelsea Courtyards apartments are nearer to Jacksonville University than UNF, but are only about $450/month for a one-bedroom. Overall there are many options for apartments and house rentals in Jacksonville, and Jacksonville is cheaper to live in than most of the neighboring communities.

Recreation

Jacksonville is home to the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, full of endangered big cats, and the Jacksonville Zoo. Atlantic Beach is a beautiful beach in northern Jacksonville, and is a little less crowded than Jax Beach. There are numerous Museums and Memorials in the area for history buffs. The Jacksonville Jaguars play at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, where over 70,000 spectators can cheer on the Jaguars. Latitude 30 is a fun entertainment center for teens and adults, with bowling, arcades, DJs, a dance floor, and drinking. There are downtown water taxis at the downtown riverfront, and the beautiful illuminated Friendship Fountain is one of the biggest self-contained fountains on Earth. Tours are available at the Budweiser Brewery, Anheuser Busch Brewery, and Sally Corp animatronics company sites.

Restaurants

There are hundreds of places to eat in Reno. The Atlantis Steakhouse is one of the top-rated restaurants in Reno, and is known for its excellent service and delicious cuisine. Unsatisfied customers are few and far between. Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs is an extremely popular breakfast/brunch joint, as is the Eldorado Casino Hotel Chef’s Buffet. As far as steakhouses go, Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse and Harrah’s Steakhouse don’t disappoint. In Reno, there are endless dining opportunities. For UNR/Nevada students, there are around 20 places to eat on campus, including a Mexican sports grill, a convenience store, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Starbucks, a buffet-style cafe, Chinese food, a smoothie shop, and more.

Economy and Jobs

With Reno’s casinos fading in popularity, some former casinos are being converted into hotels, condos, or restaurants. It’s a sign of the times; gambling is no longer holding Reno afloat. There are a few major employers in Reno, those being the Washoe County School District, UNR, Washoe County, Renown Regional Medical Center, and the Peppermill Hotel Casino. Other casinos round out the rest of the top 10. The unemployment rate in Reno as of October 2012 was 11.3%, which means about 25,000 people in Reno are unemployed. Though this number is high, the unemployment rate has been slowly, but steadily declining since it last peaked in 2011 around 12.6%. No job growth is expected. Also, even though only 11.3% are unemployed, more than 1 in 5 don’t have a full-time job, and work less than 35 hours a week. For those who are planning to live in Reno, it’s important to begin looking for a job as soon as possible, because they are hard to come by.

Weather

December and January are foggy in the mornings, and it doesn’t snow in the winter. It only really rains during the winter, which is more of a wet season than a winter. Winter days are in the 50s, and summer days are in the 80s and 90s. In the winter, temperatures will occasionally reach freezing overnight. The good news is Sacramento is called the Sunniest Place on Earth. From June through September, days are sunny and beautiful. However, the air quality in Sacramento is not good at all due to pollution, and the smog could exacerbate or cause breathing issues like asthma for some.

Public Transportation

There are many options for transportation in Sacramento. Numerous taxis and blue Super Shuttle vans are around downtown, which is ten minutes from the airport by car. The Sacramento Regional Transit Authority (or RT), has a light rail system of 3 lines, as well as bus systems with about 60 bus routes. Construction to extend the South Line about four miles to reach Cosumnes River College, with a couple new stops in between, will finally begin in 2013. The project is part of the “South Line Phase 2 Project.”

Demographics

In 2010, Cheyenne was 87% White, 3% African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1% Native American. About 15% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. About 3% of Cheyenne’s population is foreign-born. The majority of the population is married, and has graduated high school. At LCCC, 83% of students are White, 8% are Hispanic/Latino, and 3% are Black. The gender breakdown works out to 60% women and 40% men.

Nightlife

Cheyenne doesn’t have much of a nightlife. There are a few bars in Cheyenne, like the Outlaw Saloon, and Mingles Lounge. Suite 1901 is an upscale martini bar growing in popularity, but the The Albany, a restaurant/bar with a liquor store attached to it, is probably more popular. The Crown, a nightclub with dancing and a DJ, is most popular with people in their 20s. For college students, the fun is over at Fort Collins, Colorado, about 50 minutes away, or Denver, about an hour and a half away.

Crime & Safety

Friends University has a very low crime rate, and the only types of crimes that occur are larceny/burglary, or liquor law violations. Over 2,800 students were enrolled at Friends in 2009, and about 40 larcenies/burglaries occurred that year. Campus security offers escorts to students who don’t want to walk alone, and access to buildings on campus is limited to students and employees. Friends University is located in a part of Wichita that is neither the safest or most dangerous to live in, though as a whole, Wichita has a far higher crime rate than the average city. There are a fair amount of sex offenders that live nearby the Friends campus, including one who even goes to school there.

Local Events

Wichita is home to many special events throughout the year, including Riverfest. Riverfest is a festival celebrating the Arkansas River with music, competitions, parades, and a food court, all to bolster to community pride. “Woofstock” is an annual dog-friendly event, where dogs are welcome as well as visitors, to watch dog competitions, vote for the best dog costumes, and more. Other events include the Craftapalooza, Sports Boat & Travel Show, Toys & Collectible Show, Renaissance Festival, Art & Book Fair, Woodcarvers Show, Handmade Craft Fair, Wagonmaster's Chili Cook-off, Tallgrass Film Festival, Asian Festival, and more.

Apartment Costs

Apartment costs in Madison are pretty expensive. The average rental rates near DU and FDU are about $1300 for a one bedroom. Aside from commuters, just about all students live on-campus, including upperclassmen who receive higher-end housing than the freshmen. If you plan on attending Drew or Fairleigh, it’s highly recommended you opt for their on-campus housing.

Recreation

Madison, New Jersey is home to both Drew University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, which take up a good amount of the town with their campuses. Route 124/Main Street runs through the town with various stores and restaurants. There is a community pool, a bowling alley, a small movie theater, and The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is a great professional theater that puts on various performances throughout the year. Overall, Madison is a quaint little town, so quaint that it’s been used as the backdrop in a few TV shows and movies. Nearby, in Short Hills, there is a high-end mall, but otherwise, there aren’t a huge amount of activities in Madison, so it’s recommended to get involved in clubs and organizations, since they are plentiful at DU.

Restaurants

Cheney isn’t exactly a mecca of great restaurants. All the establishments are very small. Corona Village is the most popular restaurant for Mexican food, though El Rodeo gives it a run for its money. Loco Dogz is a fun restaurant serving American food, and more specifically, various-themed hot dogs. Zip’s Drive Thru is a popular fast food joint. On campus, EWU has nine different locations for dining, and most students will opt for one of these locations rather than look around Cheney for something else. Besides the dining halls, there is a convenience store, sandwich shop, smoothie and espresso shops, and a deli.

Weather

Cheney has hot summers, cold winters, windy wet springs, and sudden autumns. Cheney receives a lot of snow annually, around 40 inches a year. In the summer temperatures reach into the 80s. Winters are usually in the 20s. Cheney isn’t exactly a place known for it’s sunshine, and it is cloudy much more often than it is sunny. July and August have a fair amount of sunny days, but between November and March, you’ll have to get used to overcast days.

Economy and Jobs

Springfield was badly hit by the financial woes in recent years, but as of October 2012, the rate has dropped to 7.8%, mirroring the national rate. About 26.8% of the population was below the poverty line in 2010, and an estimated 20% of the households in Springfield make less than 15k a year. On campus, AIC’s Office of Career Services offers aid to students seeking employment. It is easier to find a job in Springfield now than in recent years, though most places of employment are seeking full-time help.

Crime & Safety

Springfield is one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the US, and one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation as well. In 2010, Springfield was ranked the 12th most dangerous city in the US by the FBI’s annual reports. The crime rates in Springfield are significantly higher than most cities in Massachusetts, though Chelsea, Fall River, Brockton, and New Bedford are pretty comparable. On the AIC campus, emergency telephones are located around campus, and campus police officers are regularly on patrol. On campus, there are a few aggravated assaults, and a handful of burglaries each year, as well as dozens of alcohol/substance abuse disciplinary actions. Off campus in the nearby vicinity of AIC in 2011, there was 1 forcible sex offense, 1 motor vehicle theft, 6 robberies, and 4 aggravated assaults. The AIC campus is markedly safer than the surrounding areas of Springfield.

Demographics

About 30,000 students attend SFSU. About 60% are women, and 40% men. About 33% of students are White, 25% Hispanic, and 22% Asian, 8% Filipino, and 5% Black. The majority of students are between 20 and 24, and originally from California. The most popular major at SFSU is Business Administration, with nearly 20% of students opting for this degree. The city of San Francisco is home to a little over 810,000 people. About 48% of its population is White, 33% Asian, 15% Hispanic, and 6% African American. Numerous other races have small populations in San Francisco, as well. San Francisco is the 2nd most densely-populated city in the US, and more than a third of its occupants were not born in the US. San Francisco has the highest percentage of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, at about 15% of the population. Nearly 44% of adults in San Francisco have a college degree, which is one of the highest rates in the country as well. Simultaneously, San Francisco also has a significant homeless population, with an estimated 6,500 individuals living on the streets.

Nightlife

Due to the immense size of SF State, there are always plentiful activities on campus, Greek and house parties, and events hosted by student organizations. With downtown San Francisco about 15 minutes away by car, or 25 minutes by bus, students love heading to the city for nightlife. An impressive number of bars and clubs are located all over the city, as well as numerous live music venues like the Great American Music Hall which has shows a few nights a week. Whether you want comedy, karaoke, dancing, strippers, billiards, hookah bars, gay bars, dive bars or sports bars, San Francisco literally has it all. You CAN’T be bored here.

Public Transportation

Public Transportation in Hyde Park is somewhat limited. The Dutchess County LOOP Bus has a route that stops in Hyde Park and goes between Poughkeepsie and Tivoli. There is an Amtrak train that stops in Poughkeepsie. The Metro-North Railroad connects Poughkeepsie to NYC with its Hudson Line. There are taxis that can be called for travel in Hyde Park, and car rental services, but in general, if you are planning to live or go to school in Hyde Park, NY, owning a car is recommended.

Apartment Costs

The CIA in Hyde Park has about 1,700 students living in on-campus housing, which is a little more than half of its students. The Hyde Park Heights apartments are about $875/month for a 1 bedroom. There are houses and condos also for rent in Hyde Park, though more housing is available in Poughkeepsie. Pleasant Valley is also within close driving distance of CIA, and has 1 bedrooms in the $850/month price range.

Local Events

Each spring, the Settlement hosts a two-day civil war festival called Civil War Days, with demonstrations, costumes, battle re-enactments, music and more. The Naperville Municipal Band performs around 10 free shows a year. Each year in Knoch Park in Naperville, Ribfest is held for 3-4 days. Numerous country and rock bands perform, a contest for the best ribs and sauce is held, fireworks are set off, and vendors and performers set up shop for a few days. Ribfest was created to raise money to fight child abuse and domestic violence, and is run by volunteers. It’s a big deal in Napervillle, and most residents attend. Farmer’s Markets are held from spring through fall, as are numerous 5k walks, races, and marches. Naperville also hosts an annual Wine Festival and International Film Festival. There are special events every month in Naperville, and most are free!

Recreation

There are some fun things to do in Naperville. For a relaxing day, the Riverwalk is a famous (and beautiful!) walking trail in downtown Naperville. Many couples, families, dog-walkers and more enjoy this pretty trail along the water. Centennial Beach is nearby, and a nice hang-out, though don’t get confused by the name. It’s a manmade “beach” with a big chlorinated swimming pool, and it sometimes gets called “The Quarry.” The Hollywood Palms Cinema is a dinner/theater where you can eat and watch a movie, and since its the closest movie theater, it’s very popular. There is a Children’s Museum in town, but it’s geared toward small children.

Weather

Summers in Barstow are not comfortable. It’s a desert town, and from May to September, days are usually in the 90s and 100s. It rains very rarely, and usually it is in the winter if it does rain. In the winter, days usually peak in the 60s, though overnight temperatures can reach freezing. If you are living here you’re definitely familiar with air conditioning.

Restaurants

On the BCC campus, there is one cafeteria and the prices aren’t fantastic, so many students prefer to grab food elsewhere. In Barstow, there are some of the usual bigger name national restaurants: Burger King, Taco Bell, Denny’s, Chili’s, In-N-Out Burger, Jack-in-the-Box, and Chipotle. Since Barstow is kind of a truck stop town on Route 66, many travelers are stopping to just grab a bite to eat. There ARE lots of other places to eat, though, for example, Los Domingos Mexican Restaurant, Lola’s Kitchen, Rosita’s, and Del Taco are all popular Mexican restaurants. There are two steakhouse type restaurants in Barstow, though Idle Spurs Steakhouse is probably the better place to eat of the two; Sizzler is pretty average. Coco’s and Bob’s Big Boy are hit-or-miss for American food, depending on your standards. DiNapoli’s is a nice sit-down Italian restaurant. If there’s one place that everybody loves though, you can’t go wrong with Los Domingos.

Demographics

About 3,200 students attend JU, 60% of which are female, and 40% are male. Nearly 60% of the student population are White, and 21% are Black. The city of Jacksonville has the highest population of any city in Florida with over 820,000 residents. Of its residents, 55% of people are White, 30% are Black, about 10% are Hispanic, and 5% are Asian. Around 90% of the population’s first language is English. In terms of religion, Protestants have the biggest numbers, followed by Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, and Unitarian Universalists.

Crime & Safety

Jacksonville is more dangerous than 93% of towns and cities in the US. Jacksonville has one of the highest murder rates in the country. In 2008 alone, there were 116 murders in Duval County. Not all of the city is dangerous however, and while the center of Jacksonville has the most crime, areas like Middleburg, Loretto, Cedar Point and Beeghly Heights are considered safer. Jacksonville University is located in a higher crime area, though the gates to the campus are closed at night for student safety. Students are allowed out at night, but the JU President has publicly requested students not to travel at night on foot, for their own safety. On the JU campus, at least 3 security officers are on duty at all times. Emergency phones are located around campus. In December 2012, a fraternity was dismissed for the severity of a hazing incident that has resulted in 13 arrests thus far. Hate crimes occur on campus nearly annually.

Economy and Jobs

The unemployment rate in Waukesha is pretty low compared to the national average, and in October 2012, was at about 6%. Waukesha has appeared on a few nationwide rankings, such as one of the “100 Best Places to Live,” and “100 Best Communities for Young People,” in part for its safe environment, and fairly stable economic situation. As have most cities in the country, Waukesha has been hit by the recession, though is continuing to improve. Carroll University’s Career Center is available to students seeking aid in finding a local job.

Nightlife

There is not too much nightlife in Waukesha, and most prefer to travel to Milwaukee for nightlife and events. Waukesha’s downtown is fairly small, though there is bowling and some restaurant options. Many students either stay on-campus for fun, go to Milwaukee, or head home. CU @ Night events are held occasionally to take students off-campus, and there are many events on-campus on weeknights and weekends. Greek life is extremely lacking, so don’t count on house parties to keep you entertained. Most students recommend joining clubs and organizations for things to do in the evening.

Crime & Safety

The Miami International University campus is extremely safe, though Miami is not. Miami has an extremely high crime rate; it is one of the worst in America. Its violent crime rate is the highest in all the country, as well as its rate of robbery. Students are recommended to live at the Edgewater Lofts apartments which are owned by the University, though the Student Housing Office will help you find a safe place to live as well.

Public Transportation

Miami-Dade Transit is a huge public transportation system with buses and rapid transit trains that travel all over the county. The Tri-Rail commuter rail also serves Miami, connecting it with Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The University is located in downtown Miami, and therefore public transit is easily accessible, and very affordable, too.

Local Events

There are several events held annually in Rock Island, Illinois. Among them is the Annual Quad Cities Criterium bike race of over 650 cyclists, and the Gumbo Ya Ya Festival celebrating Mardi Gras with live music, street performers, food, games, and more. Ya Maka My Weekend is an annual Reggae & Caribbean Festival held each August. The biggest go kart race in the world occurs in Rock Island too, called the Rock Island Grand Prix, which happens every Labor Day Weekend.

Recreation

Rock Island is home to the Rock Island Arsenal, a National Historic Landmark, with an Army Museum and outdoor weapon exhibits, and it is currently the only active US Army foundry. The Black Hawk State Historic Site is home to the John Hauberg Museum of Native American Life, and the Singing Bird Nature Center. Rock Island also has a big casino called Jumer’s, with slots, drinks, poker and more. The Longview Park Conservatory and Garden is free, and a great spot to hang out to play tennis, walk, picnic, or enjoy the flower gardens. The only other thing to do in town besides eat or go to a college house party, is head to Circa 21 for dinner and a show.

Economy and Jobs

The unemployment rate in Westminster is very low, at around 5.5%. The future job growth outlook looks good. The top employers in the city are the Carroll County Public Schools and McDaniel College. Nearby, many people work at the Carroll Hospital, and Random House. McDaniel College hosts a part-time job fair where students can meet with local employers who want to hire students during the school-year. Finding a job here shouldn’t be too tough!

Demographics

Of the student body at McDaniel College, 67% are female, and 33% are male. The vast majority of students are White, with 77%. Just about all students attend McDaniel full-time. In the city of Westminster, about 92% of the population is White, and 6% is African American. There are more women than men in Westminster, with about 85 men to every 100 women. Around 94% of the population speaks English in Westminster. About half of the population is made up of married couples.

Weather

Hampton’s climate is very pleasant. Summers are hot, with temperatures usually in the 80s, and high humidity. Winter days are generally in the 50s, though winter nights may bring frosts. It rarely snows, though it does rain somewhat frequently year-round. Due to the nice weather, there are many outdoor parks and trails in Hampton, and since it is a coastal city, there are fishing and boating activities year-round as well.

Crime & Safety

Hampton has its good neighborhoods and its not-so-good ones. The border neighborhoods of Lynnhaven and Fox Hill / Hallwood are among the safer places to live in Hampton. The city center is the most dangerous. The crime rate in Hampton makes it less safe than 75% of cities in the country. Property and violent crimes have a higher rate in Hampton than on average in the state of Virginia. The Hampton University campus is somewhat isolated, surrounded mostly by water. It is well-guarded with 24/7 surveillance. IDs are required for entry onto the campus. Most on-campus crimes are larceny or burglary. Overall, students feel very comfortable on campus all hours of the day and night.

Apartment Costs

Apartment costs for one-bedroom apartments in Hattiesburg are somewhat inexpensive, averaging about $547/month. Each additional bedroom after that will on average, run you another $200/month. About 63% of students live off-campus, and there are numerous apartment options near the WCU campus, though not all are especially affordable for a college student, and availability may be limited. The Pinehaven Apartments are extremely close by, as are Wofford Park, Wisteria Estates, and the Bonhomie Apartments. Many students are subleasers or rent homes. It is highly recommended to live with roommates to save money.

Restaurants

While Hattiesburg is home to nationally-recognized restaurants like Chili’s, Olive Garden, and Outback Steakhouse, there are also many other popular places to eat. The Crescent City Grill is a favorite for great seafood. For some classic BBQ, Leatha’s Bar-B-Que Inn is extremely popular with all ages. Mugshots is a laid-back bar and grill where college students like to grab one of Mugshot’s famous burgers and a beer to watch the game. On-campus at WCU, students eat at the Wilkes Dining Hall, but aside from the cafeteria, dining options are slim, and students head out to town for some diversity in their diets.

Economy and Jobs

The unemployment rate for Columbia as of October 2012 was lower than the national average at 7.3%, and also the lowest rate in several months. The job growth outlook is good, and the economy here is quite stable. A city in a “right-to-work” state, Columbia has a solid workforce of young adults. In fact, economists at USC predicted in December 2012 that the upcoming year will be stable, and job growth is expected across the state. Benedict College’s Career Services offers numerous resources for students to find employment, whether on-campus or off, and considering the economic stability of Columbia, it doesn’t look like it will be too hard to find.

Nightlife

From bars, live music venues, and open mic nights, to comedy clubs, strip clubs, and nightclubs, there is no shortage of things to do in Columbia. Many Benedict students head to the USC campus for parties. Many students also choose to take a 15-minute walk to the area of town called “Five Points,” which is home to various stores, restaurants, and bars. Five Points is a great area to meet up with students from other colleges and go bar-hopping.